Executive summary Pallet loads leave a warehouse held together by whatever wrap pattern the operator used last. An automatic turntable pallet stretch wrapper removes that variation: the pallet rotates on a turntable while a film carriage rises on a mast and back, applying a pre-programmed pattern with repeatable tension. Load weight, turntable size and film pre-stretch are configured per project.
Table of Contents
- Why load containment matters
- Manual wrapping vs automatic
- How the wrapping cycle runs
- Key components
- Typical configuration
- Pre-stretch and film savings
- What the video shows
- Machine selection checklist
- Controls and safety
- Engineering FAQ
- Next step
- Related reading
- Sources and standards
Why load containment matters
In our engineering experience, a pallet that shifts in transit costs money twice: once in damage and again in handling. Film keeps each layer locked to the pallet and stops product from moving against adjacent loads. The quality of that wrap is decided by tension, pattern and the number of film layers, not by how hard an operator pulls.
Manual wrapping vs automatic
In our designs, an automatic turntable pallet stretch wrapper removes that variation: manual wrapping leaves tension to whoever is holding the film. It varies between operators and between shifts, and the pattern is rarely the same twice. An automatic turntable wrapper runs the same program for the same load every cycle.
The machine also removes the repetitive handle: with conveyor integration it can run a load through without an operator touching the film at all.
How the wrapping cycle runs
The pallet arrives on the turntable, either placed by a forklift or in line by conveyor. A film end is anchored at the base or first layer, and the cycle starts. The turntable rotates the load while the carriage rises on the mast, applies film, then returns. The programmed top and bottom wraps lock the load to the pallet, and on completion the film tail is cut and the wrapped pallet leaves the machine.
Key components
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Turntable | rotates the pallet load through the wrap cycle |
| Film carriage | carries the roll and applies film from the mast |
| Powered pre-stretch | stretches film before application to save film |
| Mast and carriage drive | moves the carriage up and down the load height |
| PLC control panel | stores patterns and sets speed, counts and tension |
Typical configuration
Numbers below are common starting envelopes for this machine class and are confirmed per project.
| Parameter | Typical range, confirmed per project |
|---|---|
| Turntable size | 1500 to 1650 mm diameter |
| Rated load weight | 1500 to 2000 kg |
| Load height capacity | 2100 to 2400 mm |
| Turntable speed | 3 to 12 RPM |
| Film pre-stretch | up to 250 to 300 percent |
| Electrical supply | 380 V three phase 50 Hz, or 220 V single phase, selected per project to the plant supply |
Pre-stretch and film savings
- Pre-stretch elongates the film before it reaches the load, so each roll covers more pallets.
- Top and bottom wraps hold the load to the pallet; three to five turns at each end is a common starting pattern.
- Vertical overlap between layers is typically thirty to fifty percent, set by carriage speed against turntable speed.
- Film tension is stored per program, so fragile product runs with softer tension than heavy stable loads.
What the video shows
The video demonstrates our turntable unit running a cycle with powered pre-stretch carriage elevation and automated rotation. It is a general demonstration, so turntable size, load rating and film program for your site are confirmed with us per project.
Machine selection checklist
| Question | Confirm per project |
|---|---|
| Pallet footprint | largest pallet the turntable must carry |
| Load weight | rated capacity for your heaviest pallet |
| Load height | mast height for your tallest load |
| Film program | pre-stretch range, film width and roll size |
| Automation level | stand-alone start or conveyor feed with automatic cycle |
| Electrical supply | voltage, phase and frequency on site |
Controls and safety
The PLC panel stores a program per load type, with wrap counts, turntable speed, carriage speed and tension. Keep the operator zone clear while the turntable spins and keep film tails out of the rotating gap. Emergency stop is on the panel, and guarding protects the rotating parts. Film threading follows the machine manual.
Engineering FAQ
Q: Does one operator run it? A: Yes. Forklift placement and removal are the touch points; on conveyor-fed versions the cycle runs automatically.
Q: What size pallet does it take? A: Sizing accommodates standard pallet footprints within a 1500 to 1650 mm turntable diameter, matched to the pallet diagonal per project, with load heights of 2100 to 2400 mm and ratings of 1500 to 2000 kg.
Q: Can it run fragile loads? A: Yes. Tension and wrap counts are per program, so a soft pattern suits light or fragile product.
Q: How much film does it save? A: Pre-stretch covers more pallets per roll, and a consistent program avoids the over-wrap of hand wrapping. Exact savings depend on your load mix and film grade, confirmed per project.
Q: Does the automatic version need a conveyor? A: No. An automatic machine can run stand-alone with forklift loading; conveyor integration is an option.
Next step
- Email us at info@fhopepack.com with your pallet sizes, load weights and line speed.
- We send working ranges, film settings and a layout drawing within 48 hours.
- We arrange a site survey to confirm turntable size and mast height for your line.
Related reading
- Automatic turntable pallet wrapping machine line
- Rotary arm pallet stretch wrapper
- Automatic rotary arm pallet wrapping machine and packing machine
- Half automatic pallet wrapping machine
- FHOPE packing machinery product lines
Sources and standards
- ISO 12100:2010 — Safety of machinery. General principles for design, risk assessment and risk reduction
- EN 415-10:2014 — Safety of packaging machines. General requirements
- EN ISO 13849-1:2023 — Safety of machinery. Safety-related parts of control systems
- FHOPE automatic pallet stretch wrapper demonstration video. Footage reviewed as a general demonstration; ratings and film program confirmed per project.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-10
